I'm picking up a used Spirit 2 from our outfitter in a couple of weeks - has no yoke pads. Any recommendations? Thanks!

Bourquin yoke pads are widely considered the best out there, proudly made in Ely. I got rid of my Chosen Valley yoke pads because for me they weren't very comfortable, and I couldn't be happier with the Bourquins.

Another recommendation for Bourquin yoke pads.

HappyHuskies: "Another recommendation for Bourquin yoke pads. "

Ditto

Cedarboy: "

HappyHuskies: "Another recommendation for Bourquin yoke pads. "

Ditto"

Over the decades I've tried a bunch and cannot beat Bourquin pads either.

I have Superior clamp-on pads for my Spirit, which are similar to Bourquins. I also picked up some CVCA pads for my Northstar and the jury's still out on them.

HappyHuskies: "Another recommendation for Bourquin yoke pads. "

yep, the best.

I've always used the sling-type pads from Chosen Valley Canoe Accessories and they work fine for us. I wouldn't mind giving the Bourquin pads a try just to see how they are.

I just make my own. I just got my hands on some foam that my dad used for his boat seats and it is higher density than anything I have used previously. The next set I make or modify I will be using that. I've made three sets so far. One was sold with my old canoe, another for a buddy and my current set. It isn't all that hard. I was even considering selling some, but I don't think there would be much money in that after material costs and the effort required to sell them.

Jackfish: "I've always used the sling-type pads from Chosen Valley Canoe Accessories and they work fine for us. I wouldn't mind giving the Bourquin pads a try just to see how they are. "

We had the Bourquin style pads back in 1973 for our Grumman.. They were of course bulky but quite comfy.. The CVCA pads store better IMO in a solo canoe and for a sub 45 lb canoe are comfy.. I think they may not be for a 65 lb canoe

After a while the B pads split.. but it took years. They may be better for you who carry really heavy canoes..

Yep

yellowcanoe: "

Jackfish: "I've always used the sling-type pads from Chosen Valley Canoe Accessories and they work fine for us. I wouldn't mind giving the Bourquin pads a try just to see how they are. "

We had the Bourquin style pads back in 1973 for our Grumman.. They were of course bulky but quite comfy.. The CVCA pads store better IMO in a solo canoe and for a sub 45 lb canoe are comfy.. I think they may not be for a 65 lb canoe

After a while the B pads split.. but it took years. They may be better for you who carry really heavy canoes.. "

I tried some CVCA pads, but it was on a tuffweave Wenonah and about 70lbs. They were NOT comfortable on that boat, but I expect they would be comfortable on a boat 20lbs less?

The sling style pads are quite uncomfortable if you have significant (front to back) shoulder width or muscle mass; the metal holders will dig into your flesh.

I do not like the Sling pads, sure look cool, but I find them uncomfortable because you can’t shift the pressure point. I like regular old block because you can slightly shift them to give pressure points a little relief, I pretty much do this constantly and subconsciously.

if you have a lightweight boat try pool noodles.. Hubby uses those on our 45 lb Wenonah. They have a limited lifespan but duct tape easily secures them and you can shift the canoe load quite a lot from side to side as one muscle starts to ache...

Another key is never to hold the gunwales of your canoe.. Balance it so that you can maintain your arms at low hip level . This allows your shoulder muscles to relax.. Pressure against a tense muscle is owie.

You can do this by running a long loose line between bow and stern ..just loose enough that you can hold it with one hand down by your hip. I use this line with the CVCA pads so they do not bite.

Bourquin